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The role of food allergy in atopic dermatitis

Pia J Hauk1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, CO 80206, USA. haukp@njc.org

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
|July 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Identifying food triggers in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) is crucial. Early skin barrier care and avoiding allergens in infancy may prevent sensitization and reduce AD severity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects over 10% of children, presenting as a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin condition.
  • Approximately 30% of children with AD experience skin symptoms triggered by food sensitization.
  • Food triggers can manifest as immediate reactions or delayed exacerbations of AD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of identifying clinically relevant food sensitizations in children with AD.
  • To emphasize the role of diagnostic tests and food challenges in guiding dietary interventions.
  • To explore the mechanisms underlying food allergen sensitization in AD.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing skin prick tests, specific IgE blood tests (ImmunoCAP), and double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges for diagnosis.
  • Analyzing the immune response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to food allergens in children with AD.
  • Investigating the contribution of skin barrier defects and intestinal permeability to allergen sensitization.

Main Results:

  • Accurate diagnosis of food triggers is essential for effective dietary management and avoiding unnecessary restrictions.
  • Children with AD and food triggers exhibit unique immune responses to food allergens.
  • Impaired skin barrier function and increased intestinal permeability are implicated in facilitating allergen sensitization.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification of food allergens through validated methods is key for managing AD in children.
  • Maintaining skin barrier integrity and judicious avoidance of highly allergenic foods in infancy may prevent sensitization.
  • Preventing allergen sensitization can potentially reduce the overall severity of atopic dermatitis and food allergies.

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